A High-Stakes CHAN Showdown in Nairobi as DRC Leopards A’ Take on Angola Palancas Negras in Group A
Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium will host a pivotal CHAN 2024 clash on Thursday evening as the Leopards A’ of the Democratic Republic of Congo face the Palancas Negras of Angola. The result promises more than three points—it could steer the course of Group A and push either nation closer to the knockout rounds.
DRC’s past glories loom large. A two-time CHAN champion, the Leopards A’ have endured a rough patch but found momentum with a strong comeback in their most recent outing, highlighted by a victory over Zambia. Angola, runners-up in 2011, have built consistency under their coach and are now a well-drilled unit that thrives on a disciplined approach.
Recent history adds extra spice to this meeting. The last CHAN final-phase duel between the two nations came in Rwanda 2016, a high-scoring semifinal won 4-2 by DRC, who went on to lift the trophy. Yet this year’s battlefield is different, with Angola operating a compact 3-4-3 system under Portuguese coach Pedro Gonçalves—an architecture designed to hit quickly and decisively when chances arise.
DRC have been described as a paradox—namesake giants still chasing consistent performances on the pitch. Their latest win over Zambia has re-energized their campaign, but they now face a do-or-die test that will probe their mental resolve and tactical clarity.
With head coach Otis Ngoma sidelined by illness, assistant Daouda Lupembe has stepped to the fore, delivering a message of resilience. “Being afraid of qualification is normal. But being afraid of losing is what leads to defeat. We must take this pressure positively, it must motivate us,” Lupembe said. He explained that their previous match offered a chance to rotate and assess the squad’s breadth, aiming to see what each player can bring and to adjust the team accordingly.
Facing Angola, Lupembe cautions that the challenge will be formidable. “They are set in a strong 3-4-3 and can hurt at any moment. The key will be staying focused in midfield. Football is played on details you work on, and you can never eliminate all uncertainties,” he noted. Yet he stressed a positive mindset, urging his players to embrace the unpredictability of the game and to trust in their ability to deliver attractive play and a favorable result.
Angola arrive in confident mood after a 1-1 draw with Kenya and a 2-1 victory over Zambia, giving them four points and momentum. Their blend of physical discipline and sharp attacking movement makes them a dangerous opponent, especially with this being their final group game.
The stakes are clear in Group A. For the Leopards A’, a defeat could spell the end of their tournament, while a win would keep the group wide open and revive their chances of progression. For Angola, a victory would secure a spot in the knockout stage and keep their momentum intact as the group narrows.
Fans in Nairobi can expect a tense, dramatic encounter with plenty at stake. Both teams know what’s on the line: this could be the match that reshapes Group A’s landscape and sends a bold message about who will contend for CHAN 2024 glory.
Summary: A crucial CHAN 2024 Group A clash pits DR Congo’s Leopards A’ against Angola’s Palancas Negras in Nairobi, combining a storied rivalry, tactical chess, and high-pressure stakes as both sides push toward the knockout rounds. Expect a battle-driven midfield clash, strategic adjustments from Lupembe, and a performance that could tilt the fate of the group. A hopeful note: either side’s win keeps the tournament alive and preserves the drama fans have come to expect.